Demographic Profile and Pathological Lung Changes in Drowning Cases: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Drowning is a major cause of unnatural death worldwide, with variable autopsy findings that necessitate histopathological confirmation. Aim: To analyze demographic variables and pathological lung changes in drowning cases. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 80 medico‑legal autopsies of drowning victims at Government Medical College, Parbhani. Demographic details, circumstances of drowning, gross lung findings, and histopathological changes were systematically documented and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most victims were males (65%) aged 21–40 years (37.5%). Accidental drowning was the predominant circumstance (57.5%). Gross findings included congested lungs (75%), frothy fluid in airways (70%), and overinflated lungs (62.5%). Histopathology revealed pulmonary congestion (77.5%) and alveolar edema (72.5%) as the most frequent changes, with intra‑alveolar hemorrhage (35%) and diatoms (27.5%) observed in a subset of cases. Conclusion: Pulmonary congestion and alveolar edema are the hallmark histopathological features of drowning. Combined evaluation of demographic data, autopsy findings, and microscopic changes enhances the reliability of drowning diagnosis in forensic practice.

Keywords: Drowning, Autopsy, Pulmonary congestion